Former Turks and Caicos Premier Michael Misick Rearrested Again In Brazil

MICHAEL MISICK REARRESTED IN BRAZIL
Former Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands Michael Misick was re-arrested by Brazilian Federal Police late in the evening of Saturday 13th April 2013 in Sao Paulo, Brazil on the authority of a Brazilian Supreme Court judgement, according to Governor’s spokesman Neil Smith.

Smith said that on Monday 15th April 2013, the Brazilian Justice Minister issued his decision to refuse Michael Misick’s appeal against a decision not to grant him political asylum. The decision was published on Tuesday 16 April in the Brazilian Official Gazette.

Misick was first arrested on 7th December 2012 by Brazilian Federal Police acting on a provisional arrest warrant. Arrest was sought by the TCI Special Investigation and Prosecution Team (set up to investigate issues arising from Sir Robin Auld’s 2008-09 Commission of Inquiry).

TCI prosecutors submitted formal extradition papers on Monday 28 January 2013 within the required 60 day time limit from the time of Michael Misick’s arrest. It is hoped that the extradition process can now proceed unhindered.

Smith said in the press release that Misick faces a number of serious charges relating to corruption and maladministration in TCI during his time in office.

“ It is in the best interests of the TCI that allegations of wrong doing are thoroughly investigated and that Michael Misick returns there as soon as possible to answer these charges. As Michael Misick was born in a British Overseas Territory, he is, therefore, receiving British Consular Assistance; he was last visited by British consular officials on Monday 15 April in Sao Paulo,” Smith added.